28 March 2026
Fr Ben's April Message
"There was once a gardener who lived in a land of permanent twilight. The world was in a state of great tumult; the winds were bitter, the soil was hard, and the old trees were rotting from the inside out. The gardener held a single, perfect seed in their hand. It was beautiful, smooth, and complete. The people of the land begged the gardener to keep it safe. "Hide it in this golden box," they said. "The world is too dark, too violent. If you put it in the ground now, it will surely die, and then we will have nothing left."
Read more on Fr Ben's April Message
26 March 2026
We sent Warchild some photos of the wonderful Flight of Kites installation, and received this encouraging reply
"We are SO grateful for your support Great Barton and Thurston community because the money you raise will enable War Child to continue to be a force for good. Every penny will help us to provide access to education and the chance for a brighter, happier, and more peaceful future for children living in conflict-affected areas across the world. Thank you for taking the time in creating the beautiful kites and supporting children living through conflict - we are truly humbled by your hard work and dedication!"
Please do consider making a donation via the dedicated Just Giving page below:
or via the QR code on this post - let's see if our villages can send a message of hope out to the rest of Suffolk to support generations of children affected by war.
Here’s how the money you raise could help:
£100 could feed four families who have fled with nothing for a week.
£60 could provide support for a whole family caught up in conflict with all their basic needs for two months, including food and blankets.
£17 could cover the cost of a child being safely reunited with their family.
8 March 2026
Serendipity
Serendipity March 2026
Sing, sing, and more singing
Serendipity
My favourite note is a C sharp, and I love to play in 3 sharps, do not ask me why? It makes me say it is the wonder of music. Take St. Clements, music linked to The day thou gavest Lord is ended.
Last month I shared with you some wonders of music,
very much akin to that of course is singing, in the bath or in church. When Pope John, Wojyla Jozef Wojtyla, came to England in the 1980s, I remember very clearly two things, a) He kissed the ground. b) He said it was important to pray but doubly important to sing. I agree with this to a certain point, but would say both are very important between God and our selves. Another fact that
I find mystifying - is, the composer Brahms was an atheist but all words from the text of his Requiem are direct from the Bible?
I only sing in the bath, Mary! this is so, sadly not every one can sing, I for one would be very sad if I could not sing it is also a gift from the almighty. During Covid, the viewing figures of Songs of Praise went very high. This to me shows the power of the human voice.
"Music is the utterance of words or sound in tuneful succession", bringing joy, happiness, to many.
For so many of us singing began in Sunday School and school. From these beginnings, many of use have gone on to sing in a choir, choral society. It can heal our heart and soul or have you ever had a tune in your brain for days. Remember to sing up in church, it makes you feel so good.
My kindest regards to everyone. Mary
PS Get busy with all that pruning in the front and the back!! Always happy to recommend what you should be up to.
Read more on Serendipity for March
21 February 2026
St Peter’s Church Thurston
We would like to start our fundraising for 2026 by asking if people are prepared to host a ‘Coffee Morning’. As well as raising money, this it is a great social occasion to meet up and bring a friend along. We are happy for ‘The Rock’ to be used as the venue, and there are always people on hand to assist. We are looking to organise one a month starting from March. (The July slot has already been filled)
If you can help
Please contact Pat on 07552 234443 or Margery on 07443 414622
Thank you
Read more on Coffee Morning Help
26 January 2026
CAN YOU HELP US FILL THE SKY AT HOLY INNOCENTS?
We are preparing a special art installation to remember the "Modern Holy Innocents"—the children of Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and the DRC, and all those caught in the darkness of war and conflict today.
Read more on Help Fill The Sky
28 June 2025
All Are Welcome:
Vicar Fr Ben Edwards on Family Life at St Peter's Church, Thurston"
Tell us a bit about being the Vicar of St Peter’s and Holy Innocents Churches and what excites you most about your ministry here?
I’m approaching four years as Vicar here in Thurston and Great Barton, and it’s been such a privilege. I see my role as being a friendly guide for spiritual exploration, helping people discover more about God and the Christian faith in a way that feels relevant to their lives. That includes everything from understanding who Jesus was and what he taught about life, to simply being there for the community during joyful celebrations like Harvest, Christmas, and Easter, and equally during more reflective or challenging times.
Read more on All Are Welcome
12 May 2025
ENJOY SINGING?
JOIN OUR CHURCH CHOIR!
For over 500 years, there has been a robed Church choir singing at the Parish Church in Great Barton. This very friendly group meets every Friday evening at 7.30pm at the Church, and newcomers are made most welcome. We sing a wide range of music.
Read more on Enjoy Singing?
6 March 2025
ST. PETER’S CHURCH & HOLY INNOCENTS CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL RENEWAL
The Church Electoral Roll is due for renewal this year. To be a member of the electoral roll a person has to be a member of the Church of England or a member of a church in communion with the Church of England. You must be over 16 years of age, resident in the parish or regularly attend services at St. Peter’s.
Finally, you must have completed an electoral roll application form. Please note that existing members of the roll cannot be automatically added to the new roll but must reapply.
Those who are on the electoral roll elect the Parochial Church Council (annually) and elect members of the Deanery Synod (every 3 years).
The new electoral roll must be completed by 8th April (28 days before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting).
An application form will be given to all current members of the electoral roll for completion if they wish to remain a member. There is a supply of forms at the back of each church and anyone else wishing to become a member can complete a form and return it to the Electoral Roll Officer,
Ann Reeve for St Peter’s
Peter Robinson for Holy Innocents.
Or leave it in the box at the back of the church.
Read more on Holy Innocents Church Electoral Roll
12 January 2025
Did you or a member of your family get engaged this festive season? We'd love to host your wedding ceremony at either of our parish churches, St Peter's Thurston or Holy Innocents Great Barton
Why not email us at admichurch64@gmail.com and get the ball rolling?
Fr Ben will be happy to speak with you about your wedding ceremony requirements.
Congratulations!!!
Read more on Engaged?
30 November 2024
St Peter’s Church Thurston is in URGENT need of an honorary treasurer. Is this a role you could fill? We believe there is someone out there who could help us.
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Are you numerate and experienced in using accounting software?
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Could you manage the financial performance of our church?
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Do you have good communication skills?
If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact the following people.
Fr Ben at revdbenjaminedwards@gmail.com
Pat Sadler at patsadler@hotmail.com
Read more on We Need Your Help
